Ukraine has shared a video showing a naval drone hitting a tanker in the Black Sea. This tanker is part of Russia’s strategy to transport oil while avoiding international sanctions.
The video, released by Reuters, features several clips. It starts with a drone approaching the tanker and then shifts to a wider shot of a significant explosion at the back of the ship. More clips show drones nearing the vessel, followed by smoke and flames after the blast. However, it’s unclear how many drones were involved or if there were additional explosions.
The tanker in question is named Dashan, identifiable from images in the video. We confirmed its identity by comparing footage with data from the Vessel Finder website. Dashan was flying the flag of the Comoros Islands and was headed for Novorossiysk, a port in southern Russia.
This event marks the third time a tanker associated with Russia’s shadow fleet has been targeted in recent weeks. In the previous month, two other vessels, Kairos and Viras, were also struck. These attacks highlight how Ukraine is actively disrupting Russia’s oil transport operations.
According to a report from the International Energy Agency in July 2023, Russia’s shadow fleet has been growing, with some estimates suggesting it includes over 600 vessels. This growth indicates how Russia continues to seek alternative methods for oil export, especially under Western sanctions. Experts in maritime security emphasize that these tactics are a sign of ongoing economic warfare.
The situation continues to evolve, and social media is buzzing with reactions. Users are discussing the implications of these drone strikes not just militarily, but also how they affect global oil markets.
For more on the economic effects of these and similar incidents, you can refer to the International Energy Agency’s report.
